paix all around

My Goodies: Cult of Cherry & Overrich

2008-08-22T12:35:00.003-04:00

So of course I made it out to my nearest MAC counter/store to get my hands on Cult of Cherry and Overrich.

Here is a quick rundown:

Cult of Cherry

Generally I found the collection to be sultry and wearable. The lip colors are the real stars. I didn't care for any of the quads except the Spiced Chocolate Quad, which is dupable (details further down)

The Mattens are the bomb. I have only tried Mattens once before and didn't care for them, but I do like the color and feel of the Cult of Cherry ones. And the dark lip really isn't all that dark. Kirsh is a nice dark plum, but it isn't terribly dark.

I am a sucker for blushes, so of course I liked Plum du Bois, even though it isn't mind blowing. I am still waiting on the blush version of Patina. Oh well.

The lipsticks didn't do a whole lot for me. I didn't bother with O or Russian Red, but I did try and love So Scarlet. Go out and get it ladies! I'm considering a back up, although I really have to stop doing that...

As you know, I don't do Lipglass, but I do like the looked of Jampacked and Liqueur. I might have to do back for those two.

And now for the main event, the duping of Spiced Chocolate Quad. First let me say that Sweet Chestnut is not Cranberry, it's its deeper darker cousin. It is however very very very similar to Heritage Rouge pigment (Overrich). That being said, the quad can be duped by using Seedy Pearl for Nanagold (on my skin, the pink and not the white is what shows), Coppering for Brash, Embark for Spiced Chocolate and Heritage Rouge for Sweet Chestnut. When I figured this all out, I simply returned the quad for the pigments and picked up Seedy Pearl and saved myself some money. Now if you don't have any of these colors, go ahead and get the quad, it is pretty after all, but if you do, well...

And now on to Overrich

These pigments are so gorgeous! I got 6 of the eight because I already own Mauvement, and I didn't like Blonde's Gold (and of course the ladies on Specktra are raving about it. I don't see what the fuss is about) although I may be taking Vintage Gold back because it is nearly identical to Copperized pigment, although the former is the prettier of the two.

I don't know what else to say other than run out and get them all!

So that's the quick rundown. Ask me if you'd like further insights about anything.

My list of goodies includes:
- So Scarlet l/s
- Kirsh m/t
- Bing m/t
- Chock-ful m/t
- Plum du Bois blush
- Heritage Rouge pigment
- Copperbeam pigment
- Vintage Gold pigment
- Antique Green pigment
- Museum Bronze pigment
- Mega-Rich pigment
- Seedy Pearl e/s
- Woodwinked e/s

Cool Heat-ish Look Part Deux

2008-08-16T01:14:00.003-04:00

And Another One:

Products Used

Eyes:
- UDPP
- Greenstroke Paint Pot
- Warm Chill e/s
- Gulf Stream e/s
- Antiqued e/s
- Cranberry e/s
- Vanilla Pigment

Face:
- MAC Select SPF 15 - NW47
- MSFN - Deep Dark
- Blunt Blush (contour)
- Love Joy MSB
- Devil Blush (MAC Pro)

let me know what you think!

I'm Baaaacckkkk!

2008-08-16T00:44:00.004-04:00

After I a long hiatus, I am returning to the blogosphere a Vanderbilt Graduate!!! I am definitely excited and relieved, more relieved than excited really.

Now on to makeup!

No reviews here, because it would be late, and I really don't feel like going through all of that, but I will give you a quick rundown of my latest cosmetic purchases:

Cool Heat
- Climate Blue
- Gulf Stream
- Warm Chill

Sonic Chic
- Love Joy
- Love Thing

Electroflash
- Fresh Green Mix
- Hot Contrast
- Sea & Sky

Starflash
- Bold & Brazen
- Glamour Check
- Go!

Now I can give you my thoughts on the products I've purchased and used so far, so here goes.

Cool Heat: The color palette in the collection has really inspired me. I love the idea of teals and greens and mixing them with bronzes, reds, and oranges. I have been doing some Cool Heat inspired looks, but unltimatley the shadows are difficult to work with. The color payoff isn't great, and they kind of dust off the brush and lid. It's weird, I don't like it, but I am pulling a Tim Gunn and in order to "Make It Work"

Sonic Chic: I love these blushes. Perfect combination of a nice wash of color, shimmer, and smooth application. Nuff said.

Electroflash: I've only used Hot Contrast, and so far, so good. The black side especially went on like butter.

Starflash: Again, I've only used Bold & Brazen from this collection. It went it's a nice color that went on well. I will say though, that the colors in this collection are nice, and if you don't have anything like them, give them a try. As for me, I have a lot of colors in some of the color families represented in the collection, so I didn't feel the need to go all out. And yes, Stila's Diamond Lil' and Starflash's Smoke & Diamonds are exactly the same.

Cool Heat-ish Look

2008-06-29T03:53:00.005-04:00

I know I haven't posted in a while, but I wanted to share I look I did recently. Here's a loot inspired by Cool Heat using no Cool Heat shadows.

And here's what I used:

Face:
- MAC Select Tint (NW45)
- MAC Studio Lights & Px Custom Blend Concealer
- Bobbi Brown bronzers in Dark & Deep
- MAC Pinch Me & Spaced Out blushes

Eyes:
- UDPP
- MAC Prep & Prime For Eyes
- Delft Paint Pot
- Fab Orhid/Dash Lily Duo Edge Eye Pencil (Heatherette)
- Foxy Lady Eye Kohl
- Dahlia Eye Shadow (Stila)
- Parrot Eye Shadow
- Mango Mix Shadestick
- Firespot Eye Shadow (Moonbathe)
- Mi'Lady Mineralize Eye Shadow (Antiquitease Color)
- Orange Eye Shadow

Bobbi Brown in Town!

2008-06-13T01:16:00.005-04:00

Bobbi Brown's Bronzing Powder is the newest addition to my ever growing (although it's needs to stop growing) bronzer collection.

When I tried it on in the store, I liked what I saw. The Sales Associate matched me to Dark. I thought I would have been Deep. Apparently the difference isn't in the depth of the color, but instead the undertones. Dark is more red, and Deep more golden; the yellow in Deep could have come off as ashy.

When I got home I tried it on half of my face over my MAC Select Tint. I like it if there is a bronzyness, it is very subtle. I should add that this is a matte product, without any shimmer. I love the finish of the product however. I'd like to keep it as a option for a finishing powder, because I don't always like to use my Prescriptives Magic powder, especially now that I've gotten toasty. I haven't noticed a problem with it per say but I am very cautious with it. And I have backed off of my Px Custom Blend Bronzer for the time being because it is probably the lightest of my bronzers and I don't want to look ashy. It's on the Disabled List until September.

Anyway, as I was saying, I like the finish of the powder. I think the bronze factor may be more evident with my tan fades sometime later this summer. I decided to compare this bronzer to my all time favorite Stila Sun #3. I applied it all over to the other side of my face, and realized that it is really subtle as well. It has a slight shimmer and you could see that, but it had the lightest touch of a glow. I love it, and it gives you the option to layer more prominent, shimmery bronzers over it. So I think I will keep this one, and layer other bronzers with it. What do you all think?

Satisfaction

2008-06-12T22:39:00.003-04:00

I went to MAC today expecting to drop a ton on products, but as I paced back and forth from counter to counter I realized, "Damn, I am bored". So I am not buying anymore permanant collection eye shadows or blushes. I am getting two more Paint Pots (Constructivist and Mosscape) and then I'm calling it a day. There are still a lot of MAC Pro blushes that I want, a few pigments that I am on the fence about, and MAC Pro eye shadows/pigments that I have my eyes on, but for the most part, I'm done. And it feels good. Now I can just focus my attention on LE Collections and various Sephora brands. There are still some Urban Decay and NARS products on my mind. It may take till August or September before I can purchase all of the MAC that I want from the Pro collection, and I will probably pick up a lip gloss, lip stick, lip pencil, or eye pencil from time to time, but the overwhelming majority of my MAC non-necessary necessities are already bought and paid for. Basically, if it's not wowing me, I'm not buying it. No more, "I'll take ALL of the Mineralize Eye Shadows!" or "Well, I don't have this color or a color like it..." So what! If it's not a color you would actually get some use out of, then why bother. I am sure I am preaching to the choir. Sermon over. Amen. We'll be meeting in the fellowship hall for refreshments.

Cool Heat

2008-06-12T22:15:00.006-04:00

Another collection, another review. Well, not quite a review really, more of an overview And I am actually going to keep this short and sweet. I walked away with Climate Blue, The End. Others have said it's hard to get the pay off that's reflected in the pot. I didn't have that problem in the store. And now for a quick review:

Slimshines - Skipped them. Wasn't interested

Warming Trend- A brighter, more golden Patina, but in the end, Patina looks better.
Warm Chill - A watered down Golder's Green Pigment (She Shines) or a more golden Aquavert (Lure), whichever you choose. It doesn't have much color pay off. From other swatches that I've seen, it has a tendency to disappear on lighter skintones. It's pretty but it's weak.
Solar White - Bright ,white gold highlighter. Too light and bright for my tastes as a highlighter. I don't like the super loud, "Look at my eyebrow arch" effect. It's pretty for what it is.
Gulf Stream - On me GS is just a more intense Shimmermoss. I can get the same effect by just using a slightly heavier hand.
Blue Flame - A prettier version of Deep Truth (it has more purply-blue tones) with better color payoff, but if you already have DT or if you have Blue Storm (from Blue Storm) then you can skip it.
Cool Heat - The not so long lost twin cousin of Big-T (C-Shock). There may be the minutest difference in the two, but again, if you have one, you don't need the other.

This collection is the perfect example of why you shouldn't necessarily freak if you miss items from a long gone collection. Give it a year, maybe a bit more, and something just like it will come along. I don't blame MAC, there are only so many colors you can make.

*** I'd also like to add that I swatched all of the shades with a brush, which gives you a less intense swatch, but a more realistic idea of how it is going to look on, unless of course you apply eye shadows with your fingers, and sincerely hope that you don't, but hey, to each her own.

-paix

Don't Stop To You Get Enough

2008-06-07T03:14:00.006-04:00

Yesterday's post about bronzers made me eager to get my greedy little paws on a few more bronzing products, so I dropped into to Sephora and here's what I got: LORAC Bronzer in Glow, Laura Mercier's Bronzing Duo in Pink Bronze, NARS The Multiple in Palm Beach and the Sephora Bronzing Trio. I was so impressed with the LORAC bronzer especially.

It is in the same color family as MAC's Refined Deeper Bronze, except it has a better texture and different finish. It compliments darker skintones so well and it looks so sexy on! That is really the only way I can describe it. Ladies, go get it, NOW!

Even though I don't really own anything from Laura Mercier, I always hear good things about the products.

The Bronzing Duo is half bronzer, half blush. The bronzer is deeper and browner that the LORAC one, not as sexy but definetly very wearable and both the bronzer and blush can be worn together, on the cheeks, or all over really.

The Sephora Trio is very simple, relatively cheap and nice. It gives a bronze highlight and the texture is smooth, not gritty. You could also use this a eye shadow.

And finally there is the Palm Beach. I was most disappointed in this product. It's gorgeous, and the texture is DIVINE, but it is so sheer and subtle. I wouldn't say it bronzes so much as it gives a subtle luminescent glow. It reminded me of a darker version of the Prescriptives Illuminating Cream Potion minus the light reflecting properties.. It's nice, but for my skintone, it doesn't do much. And it's not that I don't like subtle. The MAC FX bronzers are subtle (I rediscovered my love for Deeper Bronze today, no wonder I got a backup!), but this was $37 and I just don't know that I need it. And for $37 I better NEED it. It may be (probably is) going right back to Sephora on Thursday when I hit up the mall for Cool Heat.

I may also return my Iman bronzer. It is nice in it's own way, and it was cheap, but again, I just don't know that I need it. But it does serve a purpose, I like having options and it was only $12. I suppose it's a keeper.

I tried the Make Up Forever bronzer mentioned in my previous post. It looked like brown chalk. The Sephora Safari Bronzer was also a no-go. And Guerlain #4 wasn't at the actual Sephora store (only #1 and #2 were available) and it is sold out online. It's expensive anyway, and I am not going to buy something I can't see, especially something of this nature. There's a part of me that still want the Armani bronzer but I definitely will NOT be getting the Px Cooling Bronzing Powder. It would get not use at all.

Well that's it for now!

I Told You

2008-06-06T00:24:00.004-04:00

That I was a bronzer whore. And below are the swatches to prove it.

I call these, "Bronzers that aren't really bronzers". Some (like Warmed MSF) create more of a warm glow or finish, rather than bronze per say, but they are in the general realm of bronzers. Ultimately is just depends on the effect you are going for.

First the products themselves:

And now the swatches:

(L to R - Deep Dark MSF, Warmed MSF, Stila Bronze Illuminating Finishing Powder, Off The Radar Pigment, Format Blush, and Sweet As Cocoa Blush)

These are actually bronzers by design, of the powder variety.

Again, product images (they're a bit washed out from the flash):

And swatches:

(L to R - Iman Sheer Finish Bronzing Powder in Clay, Prescriptives Custom Blend Bronzer, NARS Casino, Stila Sun #3 (d/c but easy to find), Prescriptives Bronzing Trio in Dark, CARGO in Dark, and MAC Bronzing Powder in Refined Deeper Bronze)

And now for liquid and cream stick blushes with MAC's Mineralize Loose Foundation thrown in for measure (I use it as a completely matte bronzer):

Almost there:

(L to R - Golden Face & Body FX Bronzer, and Deeper Bronze F&B FX Bronzer)

FInally:

(L to R - Bronzeray Bronzing Stick, Gold Magic, Rose D'or and MSF Loose in Deeper Dark)

Whew [wipes brow] !!! I think I am done swatching for a little while. I wish I could get better light settings on my camera to get more true to life swatches, but one does what one can.

A final note of bronzers (because I know you are sick of reading me blog about it)
You'd think I'd call it a day with the bronzers, but no, not at all. I just picked up the Iman Bronzer today at Walmart. I try to stay away from drug store makeup, but I figure Iman is a little classy, and I couldn't resist. My initial thought was that it was too sheer, and it is really sheer (an the packaging is hella cheap AND it was nearly $12 which is high for drugstore makeup), but I figure it would be good over my Select Tint (MAC) to maintain that dewy look. So [for now] I'm going to hold on to it. The thing is that there is just SO much variety in terms of finishes, coverage, and color family (golden vs. copper/orange, etc), it's exciting! And I wont lie, a lot of it is the thrill of the chase so to speak, because it is so hard to find bronzers that are deep enough for darker skintones, most end up looking like light (sometimes ashy) washes of pale gold shimmer. Not cute.

I have a few things on my things to try and buy list, some of which I have tried, but haven't bought:
- NARS Multiple in Palm Beach
- Sephora Luminous Trio in Bronze Trio
- Sephora Summer Safari Bronzer in Zebra
- Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder #4
- Make Up Forever Mat Bronze in Earth
* Giorgio Armani in Shade # 8 (this stuff is super sheer and super expensive. I had it then returned it, but I still kind of want it)
* Prescriptives Sunsheen Cooling Bronzing Powder in Dark (I so don't need this and it is too sparkly, and yet...)

Until next time!

MIA - Part Two: Swatches Galore

2008-05-31T12:05:00.004-04:00

I took the time before work to put together some blush swatches. Too bad none of them came out too clearly, still, hopefully you can get the gist. And also remember that this is a concentrated swipe of color. The actually application would be much sheerer.

On to the swatches - The first is features Spaced Out and blushes that are similar to it:

I know what you are thinking - "These look ashy!" Trust me, they aren't. And I am a ashyaphobe. These look add a great pop of color on the cheeks or a subtle finish on the cheekbones. Accentuate is the highlighting half of the Accentuate/Definitive Sculpt & Shape Duo.

Here is a photo of the swatches in softer light:

And here's another with better focus.

Now on to X-Rocks and it's relatives:

A Specktralite described X-Rocks as the love child of Sweet As Cocoa and Flirt & Tease. I don't see it.

Hopefully this was helpful to someone, although I very much doubt it.

MIA - Part One

2008-05-29T22:36:00.007-04:00

I have been MIA for what seems like forever. There was a mini-move from Nashville back to Atlanta, and then work, and everything else, regardless, I am back, yay! And what better way to re-introduce myself than with a MAC Review?

So this week (because let's be honest, MAC releases something new every week) it's Neo Sci-Fi and Solar Field (Future Earth is not anything I am interested it). As some of you may already know, I'm a blush whore (and a bronzer whore) and I, as a general rule, don't really do Lipglass, so that means I skipped over the Lipglass and made a bee line for Spaced Out and X-Rocks, both of which I got. Both are Sheertone Shimmers and have a duochrome finish, which is particularly apparent with Spaced Out which is described as a "shimmery peach". I'd add that duochrome aspect gives it a pink glow, that is reminiscent of Porcelain Pink Mineralize Skinfinish. X-Rocks is described as "shimmery dirty mauve". Really MAC, really, is that how you are going to describe a product, because who wants anything dirty going on their cheeks? Anyway, I like the blush, I think it is very Woman of Color friendly and a must have for those of us who love blush. It reminds me of a eye shadow, although I can't put my finger on which one. Maybe Star Violet.... I'll let you know when I figure that one out.

The lipsticks in this collection are great and offer something for everyone. I have to admit that I didn't see Sunsonic. It wasn't on the display, and I knew I didn't want it. Specktralites have described it as white frost that needs the help of another liner or gloss to make it look like anything. Great if you like to experiment, not so great if you just want a hot color without all of the work. Sci-Fi-Delity is a beautiful reddish plum color that I almost got, but...(when swatched on my hand) it was nearly identical Viva Glam IV, so I decided to save 1400 pennies and wait until I have a serious penny surplus. Pleasureseeker is light pink, and therefore just not me, but I've seen pictures of it on different people and it looks good. Astral is a pretty, sheer, very very sheer bronze shade that's nice on, but a little too subtle for my tastes. It would be gone the second I licked my lips. So I passed. I did get Electro, because how can you resist orange lipstick, and I was determined to make this shade work. At first I was afraid I looked like a clown, but the MA and I decided it would look best if I paired it with other makeup; I almost always walk into MAC with no makeup on.

And now on to the bread and butter, the shadows. I was expecting to want at least three of these (I already have Expensive Pink) but I was less impressed by Evening Aura than I thought I would be. I expected to LOVE it, but I applied it, and it just didn't do anything special for me. I can think of a handful of shadows that are prettier (if a little different) - Juiced, Fab & Flashy, Jezebel (Stila), Rubensque Paint Pot, the list goes on. Femme-Fi is just another highlight. They all start to look the same to me. Magnetic Fields rich chocolate-black color with sparkle, that is very versatile. There was no way I was leaving without it. When I think about my makeup evolution, it's the kind of color I would have skipped over two years ago because it's not colorful, but it's pretty and useful. I also picked up Time & Space, which is described as "frosty copper" and that's exactly what it is. Doesn't sound terribly unique, but there is something about the finish (it's frosty, not shimmery like other coppers I own) and it just looks really good on.

Oh, and I almost forgot. I skipped all of the Solar Bits. Too expensive, too little product and too difficult to apply.

That's it for now - I'll be back in full swing with another "Almost Picture Perfect", "I'm Lovin' It", and product swatches soon. Stay tuned!

Goodies and Reviews

2008-05-16T02:18:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago I was stressed about finals, so I took a trip to my local MAC store and picked up these goodies:

Pictured are Matte Gel, Blot Powder Loose, Iridescent Loose Powder in Golden Bronze, Mineralize Loose Powder and Bronzing Powder in Refined Deeper Bronze.

I thought I'd go ahead and share how they've been working for me so far. First, the Matte Gel. The product description reads "A matte-ifying cream that acts like a powder, M·A·C Matte adds a sheer, no-shine matte texture in one smooth layer." The product can be used all over or on the T-Zone to prevent shine or on the eyelids as a primer of sorts. I've been using mine in the T-Zone alone, and while it isn't a miracle product, it does help with oiliness. For me though, preventing shine is a multi-product process, which segues into the next review, the Blot Powder Loose. This is simply a loose version of the Pressed Blot Powder (which I carry with me at ALL times). I actually prefer this product to the pressed because it is a bit more subtle. It takes away shine but doesn't make the face totally matte and unnatural.

Initially I wasn't going to get the Mineralize Foundation, but I wanted to try it as a matte bronzer/finishing powder. I find that these powders run on the light side. For instance I am Deep Dark in the MSF Natural, but Deeper Dark in this formula. Also, Deeper Dark is a slightly too dark and red, so for the applied with a light hand, and for my purpose, it works great. I can't speak to it's effectiveness as a foundation though. Perhaps I will try it as a foundation in the coming weeks and I will be sure to post my findings.

I'd swatched the Iridescent Loose Powder a long while ago and it's been on my wishlist for some time, so I was happy to finally get it, however, I haven't even opened it yet. Eek. Bad me.

And saving the best for last, my Bronzing Powder. It's love in a compact. It's an coppery, flattering shade with just the right amount of shimmer. I would not use this powder all over the face though (see my older post on bronzers). but applied correctly, it is love.

Next up, a review of my new [free!!!] Stila goodies and bronzer swatches.

Just For Nywele

2008-05-14T17:20:00.003-04:00

Here's a step-by-step of the look, which really isn't much. It didn't picture as well as it should have...anyway, here we go!

* Saddle e/s was applied all over
* Royal Hue Shadestick was applied all over the lid and slightly into the crease
* Cassis was then applied all over the lid
* Nocturnelle was layered over Cassis
* A light layer of Twig was applied to the crease with a narrow crease brush (MAC's 222)
* The Sephora Jumbo Eye Pencil was applied to the inner most part of the eye and under the lower lash line
* Star Violet e/s was applied over the eye pencil on top of the lid, and over part of the lower lash line.
* Cassis and Nocturnelle were applied to the rest of the lower lash line.
* Top it off with mascara and tadaa!

Almost Picture Perfect

2008-05-14T03:36:00.007-04:00

It's late (or rather early) so I wanted to go for something fairly simple so that I wouldn't get super frustrated so I settled on this Target ad:

And me....

Here's What I Used:

Face:
* MAC Select Tint (NW45)
* MAC Studio Lights (Smoothspice)
* Px Custom Blend Bronzer
* MAC Blush in Raizin
* MAC Blush in Mystic

Eyes:
* UDPP
* MAC Prime & Prep For Eyes (it helps the shadestick go on more smoothly)
* MAC e/s in Saddle
* MAC Shadestick in Royal Hue
* MAC e/s in Star Violet
* MAC e/s in Nocturnelle
* Sephora Jumbo Eye Crayon #504
* Stila e/s in Cassis
* Stila e/s in Twig

Lips
* Sephora l/s in No. 55
* MAC Lustreglass in Beaux

It's nothing complicated, but it's very quick and very wearable, (although can't we find a way to rock anything?).

Coming Soon

2008-05-14T01:11:00.005-04:00

I've got some ideas in the works for an upcoming weekly series called "Almost Picture Perfect" where I'll be doing my best to recreate looks from pictures, magazine adds, makeup books, and various face charts (MAC, Stila, Urban Decay and more!). I'll post to looks and I invite you all to recreate them for yourselves. There's also going to be a regular series called "I'm Lovin' It" where I'll feature my favorite products of the moment. I'm also going to unveil my makeup collection. I'd like to be able to label each product and add to my collection before doing so, so look for that later this summer (or is it technically still spring...)

And, I've found some new blogs that I love. One is Kiss & Makeup TV which has leaked a lot of new information about upcoming MAC collections recently. I encourage you all to get to Specktra and get your gossip on, because they look very exciting and I am saving my pennies now. I can't wait for them to be released (no actually, I can because I need to save, big time), and of course I will be posting my opinions here. The other is MAC Color Collections & Face Charts. The name says it all. It's a compilation of detailed information regarding MAC collections from the last 6 or so years, including face charts from those collections which is great for those of us who didn't print them all, or who don't even know what face charts are. They're a great source of inspiration when you are in a makeup rut. The links are in my "Homes Away From Home" sidebar.

And finally, when life settles down, I am going to try and learn the language of HTML and get this blog looking awesome. If you have any ideas or suggestions, shoot them my way.

As always thanks for reading and stay tuned!

Turquoise

2008-05-11T18:21:00.004-04:00

I was in a turquoise mood today so that's what I rolled it. It is kind of loud and drag-queenish, but I like it nonetheless. I love the word nonetheless. And Jewel Blue isn't as blended as I would have liked. Anyway, on to the pictures. It's almost the exact same application as the last look I did, but with different colors. Let me know what you think!

(All MAC unless otherwise stated)

Face:
* Select Tint SPF 15 (NW45)
* Mineralize Loose Foundation {a very light dusting} (Deeper Dark)
* Bronzing Powder (Refined Deeper Bronze)
* Ablaze Blush

Eyes:
* UDPP
* Greenstroke Paint Pot
* Fashion Forward Eye Shadow - Lancome
* Aquadisiac Eye Shadow
* Jewel Blue Eye Shadow
* Big T Eye Shadow

Lips
* Cushy Creamstick Liner
* Antiquitease Lipstick
* Mary Kay Clear Gloss

I've got A LOT of ideas of looks based inspired by magazine ads, makeup face charts and makeup book looks, as well as random pictures, so please come back often. If they come out half-way decently I'll post them here.

I'm Not Going To Lie

2008-05-06T18:34:00.007-04:00

I am kind of proud of this one:

As with most things, it looks better in person.

(MAC unless otherwise stated)

Face:
* Select SPF 15 in NW45
* Prescriptives Magic Powder in Deep Translucent
* Bronzing Powder in Refined Deeper Bronze
* Dollymix Blush

Eyes
* UDPP
* Rubenesque Paint Pot
* Fresco Rose Pain Pot
* Heatherette #2 Trio
* Passionate Eye Shadow
* Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Stalker

Lips
* Little VI Lustreglass

Stila Girl of the Week

2008-05-05T13:39:00.003-04:00

It's you're truly!!!!

Stila has a on going contest where Stila fans can submit a picture along with a short story about themselves and why they love Stila and if chosen the lucky girl gets to be featured on the website as well as a $100 gift certificate to stilacosmetics.com. I was chosen! Check me out ladies (and gentlemen)!

http://www.stilacosmetics.com/stilagirloftheweek.asp

Thanks for looking!

I Think I'm Paranoid

2008-05-05T13:30:00.004-04:00

I like my MAC Select so far, but I've read a lot of bad reviews about the product on Makeup Alley. Complaints like the foundation doesn't last long, streaks, oxidizes, slides off the face and causes breakouts. Oh No! I don't want any of that, but the color match is so good and I really really really don't want to dish out $60 for a Custom Blend Foundation this summer. And I am definitely not going back to the Dillard's counter to get it done (which is the only Custom Blend location here in Nashville). So let's just keep our fingers crossed that this works.

P.S - I picked up MAC's Select Tin SPF. It's the closest thing MAC makes to a Tinted Moisturizer. Sometimes a girl just needs that light, barely there touch. :-)

A Naughty Nauticals Look

2008-05-04T20:43:00.006-04:00

Here's a Fairly simple NN look that I did today.

(MAC unless otherwise stated)

Face:
* Concealer - Combination of Px Custom Blend and MAC Studio Lights in Smoothspice
* Foundation - MAC Select SPF Foundation in NW45
* Powder - Px Custom Blend Bronzer

Cheeks:
MAC Raizin
MAC Frankly Scarlet

Eyes:
* UDPP
* Delft Paint Pot (base for BBB, Sharkskin Shadestick or Blackground Paint Pot would be other options)
* Greenstroke Paint Pot (base for Mutiny - Otherworldy Paint Pot is also a great option)
* Dazzleray Eye Shadow
* Blue Noir Eye Shadow
* Bell Bottom Blue Pigment
* Mutiny Pigment

Lips:
* Sephora Lipstick #88

(I would have used Queen's Sin, but I decided to save that for later. Plus I wanted something a bit more sheer)

I Tan Profusely

2008-05-04T17:21:00.004-04:00

And as a result I am already to dark for my Custom Blend foundation. Now bear with me while I give you some background info- Usually I have my Custom Blend foundation that I used from my eye brows down, but because my forehead is darker, I like to use a darker foundation so that I don't get that mask-y look on my forehead. Usually that shade is Real Chestnut in Prescriptives' Flawless Skin formula. Well since I've gotten a bit "toasty" I've decided to try using the Real Chestnut all over my face with ill results. There was something about it that didn't look right. Perhaps it's an issue with the Color Family. Prescriptives organized their color and face products by Color Families which refers to a variety undertones. There is Yellow/Orange, Red/Orange, Red, Blue/Red. You find out what Color Family you belong to by being Color Printed. I am Yellow Orange, but as most people redden when they get in the sun, I would probably be a Red/Orange or Red by now. The problem arises when there is no shade deep enough for you in your Color Family and you have to go to another Color Family for a match. That's the case with Real Chestnut, which is Blue/Red, aka, WAY off. I was unwilling to get another Custom Blend Liquid Foundation for the summer, which brings us back to the present.

I went to a local Prescriptives counter to see if there might be some other options in the ready made foundation formulas rather than having to go through the trouble of Custom Blend. The first Sales Associate listened to my concerns, then passed me off to the black Sales Associate, who I've spoken to in the past and she was friendly with me. That day she had a tremendous attitude and was completely unhelpful. I won't get into all of it here, but the experience was so bad that I sent comments to Prescriptives. My friend encouraged me to talk to a manager, but I just wasn't in the mood for that.

So I left Dillards pissed and upset that I didn't have a foundation, because honestly, what can you do if you don't have a matching foundation? NOTHING! Left with no other option, I went to MAC. In the past I have been aganainst using MAC foundations. Studio Fix has a tendency to go on heavy, and gets oily really quickly, on me at least. And Studio Tech is horrid! It's a supposed to be cream-to-powder; more like cream-to-crisco. No offense to anyone who absolutely loves Studio Tech and Studio Fix...
In the past I swore that I would never trust a MAC face product, but that began to change in the last several months. I got hooked to their Blot Powder, Sheer Mystery Powder, Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, and most recently, Mineralize Loose Foundation.

I think the primary reason some people think MAC artists look like their wearing drag makeup (and yes, I have heard this from several people) is the look of the caked on foundation. But in terms of shade selection in ready made formulas, you really can't beat MAC. I decided to give it a chance. A HELPFUL Artist assisted me and we decided on Select SPF 15 in NW47 (I am NW45 normally). It's medium coverage which I like.

She applied it a bit heavily with a sponge and I liked it, but I tried it at home with a brush and a lighter hand and I loved it! It was my skin, but better. So MAC, I have to hand it to you, this foundation is fire! And it was cheap, only $25, which isn't bad in my opinion. I'm used to dishing out $60 for Px CB Foundation and $40 for CB Tinted Moisturizer. I might still get a CB Tinted Moisturizer later in the summer, but right now, I am rocking this MAC Select. I might even replace the Px Flawless Skin with this as my forehead foundation when Fall and Winter roll back around. NW47 is a tad rid and a tad dark, but I have a yellow based bronzer that evens that out, and it gives me some room to "tan into" it.

The lesson learned here - Never Say Never.

Why Oh Why

2008-05-04T17:09:00.003-04:00

Does Rachel Ray have her own Olive Oil??!!!??
I don't really like Rachel Ray, her voice annoys me and her cooking isn't great so I don't understand how she has fifty-eleven different shows. And now this?!?

Why oh why does she need her own olive oil! Are the many store brands not enough. What's so special about this one? Is it spiked with Dunkin' Doughnuts coffee and comes complete with a high pitched scratchy voice? That must be it.

Tagged - Whirlwind Part III

2008-05-02T22:06:00.004-04:00

So here is the latest tag - I will get catch up on my past due tags soon. And we're off:

My Foundation: Usually it's Px Custom Blend, but now that I've gotten "toasty" I am wearing MAC's Select SPF 15 in NW47.

My Mascara: Right now it's Clinique High Impact but once I run out I am going to give Dior Show a go.

My Blush: Whew, that's hard. I combine MAC's Raizin and Pinch Me with almost everything.

My Eye Shadow: Stila Jezebel. I wear it nearly everyday.

My Day Cream: Origins Balanced Diet. I like it because it's light. I follow that with an SPF as you ALL should.

My Lipstick: Hmmm, maybe Honey Moon or Orchidazzle, both MAC.

My Beauty Product Brand(s) [in alphabetical order]: Cosmetics - MAC, NARS, Prescriptives, Stila, Urban Decay. Face - Arbonne, Origins Hair - Aveda

My Essential Beauty Product(s): MAC Pressed Blot Powder and Lipsmackers balm in Dr. Pepper.

Favorite Makeup Product: Eyes Shadows with Bronzers and Illuminators in second.

My Perfume(s): Channel Chance and V by Valentino (I usually don't divulge that because I don't like people copping my scents)

My Nails: Like CdC I'm not a nail person either, but I also love the Burt's Bees Lemon Cuticle Cream

My Feet: Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream

My Hands: Any lotion around, but I live Aveda's hand lotion a lot.

Three Products to Bring on a Deserted Island: Sunscreen, shea butter, and Burt's Bee's Facial Mist for Oily SKin

Woman I Admire For Her Beauty: Iman maybe?

Woman With The Best Sense of Style: Drawing a blank

My Ultimate Dream: I'm gonna keep a lid on that one.

How Do I Define Womanhood: The embodiment of beauty and elegance.

Favorite Fashion Publication: Don't have one.

Dazzleglass in a Minute - Whirlwind Part II

2008-05-02T21:56:00.004-04:00

I LOVE THEM! They have a great finish, nice color payoff, funky color selection but they aren't loud when applied. I would buy EVERY ONE if I could, but alas I can't. I just have to hope that they don't sell out too quickly. **Fingers Crossed**

Naughty Nauticals - Whirlwind Part I

2008-05-02T21:34:00.004-04:00

I haven't posted in a while it feels like, and I have a whole list of things to discuss, so get ready for a whirlwind of posts.
Let's begin with Naughty Nauticals.

I intially wasn't excited about this collection and that remains unchanged. It's not that it isn't a solid collection, it is. But it just doesn't interest me. I have a lot of blues already (Blue Storm, Deep Truth, Contrast, Blu Noir, Ether, Freshwater) so I just don't feel like I need what Naughty Nauticals is pushing.

I was excited about the Lustreglasses as they have a great finish, and I've never seen a collection with Lustreglasses instead of Lipglass. I tried them all, and only "Hey, Sailor" really did anything for me.

Then there are the eye shadows. I already have Pandemonium for the Pandemonium Quad. Meet the Fleet = Blu Noir. Submarine = Freshwater. Ideal Cargo was too light, I didn't get much pay off. Shale is a much better alternative. And as for Shore Leave, well how many highlighters does one need? So I passed on all five.

But there was light at the end of the tunnel...The Pigments. They are all pretty nice actually, but again, they just felt too familiar. I actually liked Mutiny and Bell Bottom Blue, although you definitely have to use a base to get any kind of color pay off. I kept trying to find a dupe of BBB, but I couldn't. And well, Mutiny is really close to Aquadisiac, or Turquatic, but it is slightly unique it that it's lighter and brighter that the aforementioned. I knew I didn't want Lovely Lily, and Lark About, while very pretty (and not nearly as white frosted as I'd thought) reminded me A LOT of Vellum eye shadow. Of course pigments have a different texture that eye shadows for the most part, so you could always use that rationale when justifying your purchases.

I really wanted to see Port Red lipstick, but it looked like Queen Sin's twin sister, for real.

I think I called this a while ago. That NN would be inspiring but dupable, and it is.

It's That Time Of Year

2008-04-27T17:25:00.005-04:00

When the sun is blaring and we all get a little toasty. I've pakced away my winter powder and foundation as they no longer match (which I am pissed about because I JUST had that foundation mixed not too long ago and barely got any wear out of it. Who knows if it will match come this Fall!) My tinted moisturizer works for now, but I'll probably have to get a darker one blended later down the road.

Now generally I am in love with most types of makeup products, but I truly love bronzer. To borrow a fellow Specktralites phrase, I'm a bronzer whore. Too much is never enough. I layer bronzer over bronzer. At this point I could probably wear a different bronzer a day. I just purchased MAC's Refined Deeper Bronze and the new Mineralize Loose Foundation in Deeper Dark to wear as a matte bronzer. Because the shade is a bit darker and redder than my current skin tone, it works with a light hand. Now I have my eyes on Stila's discontinued Pivotal Sun Bronzer #2, which you can find at Fragrancex.com.

It looks beautiful and coppery, and as I love most things Stila I think this will be a winner.

Another idea of mine is to get a mineral foundation from Milan Minerals (www.milanminerals.com) and use that as a bronzer. Candace also has a few shades of bronzer and I may get a sample of one of them as well.

So here are some bronzer techniques that I love. For liquid bronzer, I like to apply the product over a liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer and follow with a light dusting of a slightly shimmery, but not overly so, bronzer. It makes no sense to apply a traditional powder product over a liquid bronzer because you'll negate the bronzy, dewy look you want to achieve. And I believe all liquid anything should be set with a powder, so this does the trick. In my case I use MAC's Face and Body Bronze FX in Deeper Bronze (released with Lure, Bait, & Hooked - Summer 2006) and set with my Prescriptives Custom Blend Bronzer. The latter is semi-matte and very translucent.

Matte and semi-matte bronzers work well all over the face, as a setting powder even, however shimmery and high shimmer bronzers should only be used where sunlight would hit the face, the cheeks, chin, etc. I like to avoid the forehead because shimmer on the forehead often looks oily or greasy. Instead, make a 3 or W motion with your brush. Imagine the 3 is the profile of your face: start at your temple, sweep to your cheek, and follow through at the chin. For the W look at your face head on and sweep downward from the temple, then up to the chin, and back up athe face to the other temple. For a matte shimmer try Guerlain Terracotta, which is too light for me, but would work for lighter complexions or Stila Sun, which is semi-matte. The Prescriptives Bronzing Trio is a great low shimmer bronzer. CARGO makes an awesome moderately shimmery bronzer as does MAC. And if you like your face glowing, try Prescriptives' Sunsheen Cooling Bronzer Powder or even a darker highlighting powder, Sephora's Luminous Trio (Bronze Trio) comes to mind.

I like to take it a step further and accentuate my cheek bones with a bronzing stick (in may case MAC's Bronzing Sticks, but you could also try a NARS Multiple in Palm Beach) or a golden powder like Stila's Sun Highlighter or for a softer look, try MAC's Iridescent Loose Powder in Golden Bronze.
Format or Raizin blushes (MAC) are gorgeous on the cheeks.
Finally, I add a darker brown shade to my contour. Try Chocolate Brown Pigment (MAC) or Twig or Barefoot eye shadows (Stila).

The result is a polished Bronze Goddess!!! Wow, I just got a little excited there. A little much? Maybe. Gorgeous? Definitely!

Tag! You're It.

2008-04-24T01:20:00.002-04:00

I've been tagged again, and I promise to get on that really really soon, maybe later tonight (or this morning, I am nocturnal. It make no difference to me). Til' then...

I'm Drawing A Blank

2008-04-21T18:58:00.005-04:00

I can't think of a fitting title today, so let's jump right to it. I detangled my hair yesterday, using the Goody Styling Therapy Brush and I am hooked. It wasn't perfect, there were a few snap crackles and pops along the way, but I soon figured out the end to root technique (sometimes I start in the middle).

I also worked from the back to the front and cut down my detangling time to an hour and a half. I shaved off 30 minutes. I suspect next week will be even faster because the brush picked up a lot of the shed hair and I don't plan to do any wash-n-goes this week (well maybe one or two). The back to front method also speed up my two-strand twisting process and I cut that time down by 45 minutes. Amazing! I was actually excited to do my hair this week, imagine that.

And I think my eye shadow skill are making a slow but sure come back.

Products Used

Face
* Prescriptives Custom Blend Tinted Moisturizer
* MAC MSF Natural in Deep Dark
* MAC Blush in Pinch Me
* NARS Blush in Crazed
* Stila Sun Highlighter

Eyes
* Urban Decay Primer Potion
* Be Never To Busy To Be Beautiful Cream Eye Shadow in Brisk (used as an all over base)
* MAC Eye Shadow in Nocturnelle
* MAC Eye Shadow in Stars 'N Rockets
* Stila Smudge Pot in Bronze (used as a base for lids)
* Stila Shadow in Twig
* Stila Shadow in Cassis
* Stila Shadow in Dahlia

Let me know what you think!

2008-04-20T02:26:00.003-04:00

Although I have a ton of work that I haven't so much as looked at, I really felt the need to blog, so here goes.
I've decided to get really serious about my hair and skin care routine. My skin is pretty good, but I don't always do my face masks like I should and I sometimes fall asleep before washing my face (gross I know, but hey, I'm being honest).
I am a bit of obsessed with face care especially the anti-aging aspect, and I have a very specific routine that involves an odd mixture of Arbonne, Origins and Prescriptives products with a dash of Neutrogena and Clearsil (it's very high school, but it's the best acne cream I've ever used). I won't get into my complicated routine here, unless someone really wants to know, in which case you can leave a comment and I'll go into it, but I assume most of you aren't interested. I'm taking a cornucopia of vitamins including GNC's Hair, SKin, & Nails formula and drinking 96 oz of water a day. That's it for the skin care.

As for my hair, at this point I am very satisfied with my current length; it allows me some options. I would like to have more length and I am patient about achieving it, partly because I'm comfortable with what I have now, so I'm not watching the pot boil so to speak. But I realize that I am going to have to do more than I am currently doing if I want to grow and retain length. So I've added an Aphogee treatment every six weeks. Hopefully it will cut down on single strand knots.
I decided to back away from the wide tooth comb when detangling because I was worried that it was causing snaps and tears, but finger combing on it's own obviously wasn't enough because there is now a knot circus up there. Thankfully while pursuing Nappturality yesterday I saw a thread about a new Goody's brush. I picked it up today and plan to use it for detangling on Monday. I'll let you all know how it goes :-)
I have tried the Denman brush before, but I felt it too was causing snaps and tears. I'll tell you what though, it removed every single shed hair and the following week's detangling was the quickest it's every been. Now my detangling process is taking upwards of two hours. I just can't handle that! Doing my hair is an all day affair! But I digress. In addition to the protein (Aphogee) treatment, I am going to be consistent about detangling every week. Sometimes life gets hectic and I have to go longer before detangling, but that only makes the process more difficult, so I just have to find the time to sit down and do it.
I made a batch of Moe's Hair Growth Oil, but supped it up by adding Nettle and Rosemary Essential Oil. I plan to massage my scalp every other day or 3x a week. I am also going to reduce how often I wash-n-go in an effort to reduce knots and tangles. Plus it takes forever for my hair to dry.

When it comes to my hair, I love the products in my current rotation but I am looking to diversify so if any of you naturals/nappturals out there have any favorite products, shout 'em out please.

Once I get camera batteries I'll take a picture of my hair in a twist out as a before and after shot. I'd like to get 3/4 inches a month (I don't measure my hair though, I just look at how much my color has grown out) but I'll be happy with 1/2 inch.

And one a cosmetic note: I think my eye shadow application skills have regressed in the last several months. I haven't been wearing makeup as often as I used to and my skills have suffered, so I am making an effort to wear makeup most days of the week. If I'm not too embarrassed about the results I'll post them here.

Take care everybody!

I'm A Hypocrite

2008-04-16T00:58:00.002-04:00

I broke down and got a couple of things from Heatherette even though I blasted it before. I still don't think the collection is anything spectacular, but I really wanted something for the sake of packaging (and I feel the same way about Fafi, I REALLY wanted to like one of those quads, because I LOVE quads and nice packaging, but sadly I don't...maybe one of the Fafi quads will grow on me?) so I got the Trio 2 (pinks and purples). I really like the seafoam color from the Trio 1, but the light pink was too light (read chalky) to use as a highlight, unless of course I was going for a drag queen effect, and I already own Cloudburst. But damn, that is a pretty shade. Anyway. I also got the Dual Edge Eye Pencil in Fab Orchid/Dash Lily. Fab Orchid is such a hot deep purply-black that I had to have it. Pink pearl pigment was also nice, but it's just the pigment version of Stars 'n Rockets, so again I passed. Basically, I went on a MAC shopping spree yesterday in order to brighten my spirits. Funny how it had the opposite effect because now I am stressed about my finances. Just when I thought my makeup addiction was starting to wane, it flares up again when I don't have money! Just my luck. I also got Cash Flow, Stereo Rose, and Rubensque Paint Pots as well as a back up of Sea Me Shadestick (it's been D/C'd ladies!)

MAC hasn't excited me the way that I thought it would this year, but I am hopeful about the latter Spring and early Summer collections. I like the concept behind Naughty Nauticals, but I think there will be a lot of dupable colors. Still I love blues, and the color palette will definitely inspire some cool, non-traditional Springtime looks. I think Cool Heat will be the same way. Dupable, but inspiring. MAC has a lot of permanent aquas and blues, and we just had Blue Storm, so I don't see how much different these shades could possibly be from ones we have already seen, but I will keep an open mind, and probably pick up one or two. Then there are Solar Field and Neo Sci-Fi. I am too intrigued by the orange packaging of Neo Sci-Fi and I can't wait to see what these Solar Bits are about. And NSF has two blushes! Count me in! Annnnd there is the Nordies Anniversary Collection. Really, I am just looking to justify purchasing the travel brushes, in case I do some traveling... yeah right.

And in closing, I've been tagged! Yay! I'll get right on that in my next post or so.

About Me, Random Things Six

2008-04-07T01:35:00.002-04:00

In keeping with the weird titles, I took it back, Yoda-style. What you know about that?

So six things:

1 - My favorite color is Kelly green.
2 - I'm a Buddhist
3 - I love piercings, tattoos, and Hippie/Beatnik/Boho types. Let me add, that being "tat-tat-tatted up" is a little different.
Let's keep in tasteful and in moderation folks.
4 - I want to write for television/write plays, although I've only written one [play that is]. I should get on that then, huh?
5 - I went to boarding school, just like Harry Potter!
6 - I've been engaged 3 times. SIKE! Let's see. I own nearly 150 eye shadows, maybe more.

To-Do Lists and Gargantuan Salads

2008-04-07T01:12:00.002-04:00

Random title, I know. Let's see how random they can get with each day.

Ode to the To Do List, one of my favorite organizational tools. For those who don't know, I have to write down everything in an almost compulsive way. I've gotten better about it, but at one point I had a workout journal, food journal, spiritual journal, dream journal, puppy log, beauty regimen log, an updated daily planner and PDA, and a mile long daily To-Do List. I've lost some of the behavior tracking baggage, but I still very close to my daily To-Do List. How could I not be? What better way to feel like you've actually accomplished something. [Notice, that wasn't a question] And who doesn't love to cross off something? There is a science to the To-Do List. First, it has to monumental, but feasible. As such, it's not necessary to cross off everything on the list. Roll over is allowed. The likelihood of you finishing everything on the list is slim, however, it is possible, and upon completing everything on the list you can throw yourself a little party. I've yet to complete and entire list, so no cupcakes just yet. Maybe later this week. Second, the list has to have a 2:1 ratio of easy to difficult tasks. Easy tasks include such things as "Take a Shower" "Floss" and "Laundry". Harder tasks include "Work out" "Study Calculus" and "Finish Latest Toni Morrison Novel". I can now cross of "Update Blog" on my list. How productive have you been lately?

I'm a vegetarian and therefore a salad connoisseur. After trying a delicious chopped salad at a local Nashville cafe, Fido, I decided to recreate it and improve upon it's tastiness. Recipe for Twinkle's Salad on Steriods:

* Two parts Wendy's Side Salads
* Finely Chopped Cabbage
* Finely Chopped Spinach
* Diced Tomatoes and Cucumbers
* Garbonzo Beans/Chick Peas
* Diced Mushrooms
* Diced Red, Yellow, and Green Bellpeper
* Diced Red Onion
* Sundried Tomatoes
* Avocado
Drizzled with your dressing of choice (I love Perrin's Seasme Vinagrette and Goddess Dressing from Annie's Naturals) and VOILA!

I dare you to try it and love it!

Happy Start of The Week!

"RENT" as Inspiration

2008-04-02T00:53:00.006-04:00

RENT is one of my favorite musicals. One of the touring companies came to Nashville for the weekend and my Broadway-buddy/facebook husband and I went together. It was a great show. Of course we sang along for most of it. Anywho, I decided on Halloween that for next year's Halloween I was going as Mimi Marquez, blue spandex and all. I don't think most people will make the connection, but I'll give a dollar to anyone who does.

There have been many Mimi's, but they all have a fairly similar look that usually includes some degree of wavey/kinky/curly, Scary Spice-esque hair. Except for Rosario Dawson who played Mimi in the film version. She doesn't really count anyway. This Mimi's hair was more kinky than I've seen in other productions, dare I say it was almost "fro-y". Seeing this kinky-haired Mimi was inspiration to step up my hair game so that I can rock an awesome twist out and pleather next Halloween.

Currently, I'd say my hair is between 6 and 7 inches in the middle and slightly shorter on the sides. I have a fairly simple hair routine, which I'll detail in a later post, but it includes a weekly shampoo, detangling, deep conditioner, color conditioner (maybe it isn't so simple) and sometimes two-strand twists, depending on my mood. I drink lots of water and take a hair, skin and nail vitamin (GNC). But I need to elevate my hair commitment if I'm to be Mimi 7 months from now. My plan of action? Continue with the vitamins and H20, add a monthly Apohgee protein treatment (for strength, ergo retention) and incorporate a variation of Moe's Hair Growth Oil into my regimen. I say a variation because Jojoba Oil, which is one of the main ingredients, just sits on my scalp. My BFF swears by this oil.

I'm not expecting a miracle, obviously I wont have shoulder length tresses by the end of October, but maybe, I can evoke the essence of Mimi (lol, I have to laugh at myself with that one).

Do any of you out there have an hair goals, dreams and aspirations? Do share!

Whew - Part II: Puppy Love and Other Things

2008-04-01T23:29:00.012-04:00

On February 9th I welcomed a new member to the family. Fiona, my Bichon Frise puppy. She's been such a bundle of joy (cliche, but true) and so fun to be around. Generally I am not a "dog person". I am most definitely and "cat person" but after meeting my aunt's Bichon (named Hollywood) I knew that I had to have one. So after a month of searching for breeders I found a cute couple in Kentucky who breeds Bichons and other breeds. A friend and I took a day trip, and after many trials and tribulations (this place was in the sticks y'all, so much so that the house didn't have a street address!) and brought home Fiona.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, Bichon's are white "powder puff" dogs who are highly intelligent. Fiona looks like a stuffed animal. She's nearly 5 months old and very small for her breed, which is great for me. The smaller the better.

As sweet as she is, she's a handful and as close to a kid as I ever want to get.

Fiona ---

If I were to write a list called "Things I Love" [excluding friends & family because that's obvious] (which I may very well do), Tina Fey/30 Rock would be in the Top 5. Her comedy is brilliant. So I was more than a little disappointed at her Hillary Clinton plug on SNL a few weeks back. In the first place, who cares who she's supporting and secondly, don't use prime-time television for free endorsements, especially for Hillary Clinton. Just a week or so ago however, Tracy Jordan made a SNL appearance as an answer to Tina Fey. I love it! Obama '08!!!!!

Check out my Myspace page to see the clip (located under "About Me") and do let me know what you think.

Whew - Part I

2008-04-01T02:33:00.004-04:00

I haven't posted in so long it's embarrassing! School and work have been hectic, but don't we all have jobs, work and obligations that suck up all of our time? Yes, of course. But I've made getting back into the blogosphere priority of mine. This is the first in a series of updates about me and what I've been up to in my hiatus, so sit back and enjoy my musings on cosmetics & beauty, politics, and the world as I see it.

So on to one of my favorite topics, Beauty.
I love makeup and beauty products, but there hasn't been a lot that has tickled my fancy in the recent MAC Collections. Fafi, for me, was a yawn. I purchased one lipstick (Flash-N-Dash) and two Paint Pots (Rollickin' and Nice Vice) but nothing else in the collection really jumped out at me. The blushes were too light for my taste. There might have been a way to "Make it Work" as Tim Gunn (Project Runway) would say, but should you really have to make a $17.50 blush work? I think not. The Beauty Powders also seemed light to me, and weren't anything special or more importantly, anything that I needed. And the eye shadow quads were a huge disappointment. I know beauty bloggers went crazy over this collection, but not me. Just one girl's opinion. Fafi is old news anyway.

Now there is a waste of space collection and it's called Heatherette. Admittedly I haven't seen Heatherete in person, but the collection isn't very big so there isn't a whole lot to get wrapped up in. I have seen swatches of the shadow trios and the lipsticks and again I wasn't impressed. That isn't to say you wont be. I am a eye shadow and face product type of girl. I can do without eye liners, and nail polishes, and lip gloss (especially Lipglass, the sticky formula and it's applicator suck, yuck!). That being said, I didn't care about the eye liners or Lipglasses. The lipsticks look too pale, with the exception of Hollywood Nights which is another "Make it Work" shade. The Trio 1 contains a light pink shade, Couldburst (Repromote from Blue Storm) which I already have, and a teal shade that looks like Aquadisiac and Turquatic's love child. Trio 2 has two pink shades (and let me just add, that Twinkle and pinks are just not friends. I can do the occasional Passionate, Swish, or Stars 'N Rockets, but that's about it) and a purple shade. Now I LOVE purple, but not enough to cough up $32.50 for a shadow in a funky pink compact.

And then there is the Beauty Powder Blush Collection. I walked with only one blush from this collection, Serenely. I was sad that it was the only shade that worked for me because I love blush and am always looking to add to my collection. Oh well. More pennies in the piggy bank.

While MAC has been a disappointment (for me) in 2008, I have found other favorites, mainly from my tried and true, the first true love of my makeup life, Prescriptives. I am a HUGE fan on Prescriptives Custom Blend services which includes powder, foundation, lip gloss & lipstick, concealer, and now tinted moisturizer and bronzer. I indulged and got the tinted moisturizer and bronzer and words can not express how pleased I am with them both, especially the tinted moisturizer. I want to wear it every single day. My poor foundation has been neglected. In addition to the coverage and texture of this product being great, there is also the option to add additives such as oil control or a clarifying and evening formula. I have the later, and I have seen a difference in my skin. I love the additive so much that I went back and had a tinted moisturizer made without the tint, and with extra clarifying additive. Crazy, I know. That's me.

Prescripives also finally came out with a *magic Illuminating Cream Potion in Deep Translucent. Actually, I don't know when this was released, but I do know that it wasn't always available in the Deep Translucent or Red Neutralizer shades. Ladies and gentlemen, I love this product. It is less shimmery and obvious that it's sister, the Illuminating Liquid Potion. It glides on effortlessly. I wear it under my powder, tinted moisturizer or foundation and it gives a soft radience, a glowing from within look. I love it. Prescriptives should pay me for all of this free advertising. Did anyone catch that? Send me a check. Or give me a discount one. I'd take a discount.

Up Next:
* My love affair with CNN
* Face products I'd love to try.
* Personal Reflections, Revelations and Resolutions
* Bittersweet: Kinky Hair

Keeping In Touch

2008-01-06T10:57:00.000-05:00

Otherwise known as KIT is really difficult to do. I am trying to figure out the best way to keep in touch with my friends in Atlanta while I am away in Nashville. We are in that weird friendship place, you know the point where you don't want to talk on the phone because that would be awkward, emails don't seem fitting, and Facebook and Myspace don't seem like quite enough.
It sucks, but it looks like Facebook and Myspace are mediums of choice. As Tim Gunn from Project Runway would say, "Make it Work!"

Hey you, out there in Bloggerland - How do you keep in touch with friends?

Oh and while we are on the topic of Myspace, be sure to check out my Myspace profile. You can also always ask me any questions via email at paix.all.around@gmail.com. Thanks for reading!

New Year's Eve!!!!

2007-12-31T14:38:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it is now New Year's Eve!! I think by a certain age (namely 21) New Year's Eve becomes the new Christmas. I was up late and could barely sleep through the night I was so excited about the drunken debauchery that the 31st of December would bring. Of course I am without definite plans, but I have been assured by close friends that I will not be ringing in the New Year with the parentals, sipping sparkling cider. So while I don't know what I'll be doing, I do know that my makeup will be hot. I'll be sure to take pictures. Here's to you and yours - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Sculpt & Shape - Part 3

2007-12-28T12:26:00.001-05:00

Alright, here it is, the third and last installment of Sculpt & Shape. If you couldn't tell before, I love to contour and highlight, I just like to play with effect and light, so I was all over the new Sculpt & Shape Duos. Sure I was contouring before this product, but who doesn't love options?

Please excuse the light (very warm, and yellowish), I was trying to find a flash setting that wouldn't reflect the powder I was wearing.

So without further adieu...

Here is my face without check products:

Here I am applying Definitive (Sculpting - Darker Half) with the MAC's 109 Small Contour Brush. You could also use a small angle brush like the 169, or even the discontinued 162 for very precise application. I usually contour with a Sephora Contour Blush/Bronzer Brush. I actually have the older version of this brush, before Sephora revamped their brush line (got it for half off as a matter of fact!) but it's the same brush. I love this brush and use it nearly everyday, it's very versatile, but today I wanted to use my new 109.

I am making a fish face, and sweeping lightly in upward motions.

Here I am applying Warm Light (Shaping - Lighter Half) to the upper cheekbone, and around the temple with Benefit's Slant Brush. This brush is great because of it's shape and softness. I sometimes use the brush for contouring as well. Here though, I am using the pointed end of the brush in circular motions around the high planes of the face. Here you can see the finished product of the contouring.

And the end result....

Now please keep in mind the the effect of these products is meant be be subtle. You should be able to see the difference between the first and last pictures. If not, I am sorry, I even tried to be a little heavy handed.

The Bottom Line:
I love this duo! Initially I was concerned that Definitive would be grey or ashy on me, but it's not and I love it! I am NW45 for reference. However, please apply the with caution. You DO NOT want a stripe of powder on the hollow of your cheek. That's not a cute look. Warm Light is amazing! It is subtle with the perfect amount of "glow". It's a hard product to over apply so you don't have to worry if about looking clownish. Definitely a better option than the MSF Natural in a lighter shade, which is what I was doing previously to achieve a natural highlight. Because you are dealing with a product designed to compliment your skin, rather than a product that is simply a few shades lighter than your own, you can't go wrong. Ladies (and gentlemen), especially those of you on the advanced makeup fast track, I would suggest that you hop on this bandwagon.

Now I can't speak for the brushes. I passed on them because I didn't need them, nor did I want synthetic brushes. I can see the point in the 169; it's smaller and slightly firmer than the 168. I don't see the need for the 223 though. It's a synthetic 222. And I think you'd be better using the 225 to apply powder under and around the eyes in my opinion. I'm not positive, but I think the MA (Makeup Artist) used either the 138, 129 or 109 to apply both products on me.

I know I've named a lot of brushes here, so be sure to check out the MAC Brush Page for reference.

The Bottom Line is that I am quite pleased with my purchase!

Sculpt & Shape - Part 2

2007-12-27T13:25:00.000-05:00

Here is a Highlight/Contour face chart that might be of help to some.
(Click for a larger view)

You can see that the highlighting areas of the face are under the eyes, the bridge of the nose, and the corners of the mouth. Those are not places you would like to use a shimmery product. What this chart doesn't show is the highlight of the temple from the area of the end of the brow and downward, making a C shape and also the highlighting of the cheek bone, which would be just over the dark, contour shading in the figure. Those are areas where I frequently highlight using a shimmery product of some kind. I'd also, personally, place the contour of the cheek and smidgen further down (not so close to the highlight of the eye), depending on the jaw and cheekbone/hollow of the individual.

I shaded in areas where I think one can (and usually does) also highlight with a shimmer, sparkle, or iridescent product, and also where I think the contouring should be (lower on the jaw line). I hope this is beneficial for some of you.

Sculpt & Shape - Part 1

2007-12-27T12:25:00.000-05:00

MAC's Sculpt in Shape Collection - A collection of duos, reminiscent of March 2005's "Doubles" Collection in format, and our beloved Mineralize Skin Finishes in size, was released yesterday. These powders were originally MAC Pro items that have been combined in convenient duos for MAC's general customers. The sculpting powders are described as "A powder specially tinted to enhance natural bone structure and sculpt contours into the face. Immaculately shaded to create natural-looking shadow effects, the finish is sheer and matte." Well that just says it all, no? And the Ying to the Sculpting Powder's Yang are the Shaping Powders - "A micro-fine shaping powder formulated with soft focus technology that accents and emphasizes the high planes of the face. More subtle than many highlighters, these are the ideal shade complement to M·A·C Pro Sculpting Powder." And there you are, perfect contouring and highlighting tools. Still, there seems to be some confusion over what the powders do, how to use them, and why one needs them. Here was my reply (posted on Specktra) to such a question:

Contouring and highlighting play with light and shadow to emphasize the natural features of the face, so with this product, you get a completely natural, shimmer, glimmer, and iridescent free highlight, and a subtle but effective contour. There is though and inner glowy characteristic about the highlighting half of the duo. It's similar to the effect of the Mystery Powders. I think it's [highlighting/contouring] something a lot of women don't think about. They aren't thinking about creating an effect. You can use blushes like Blunt or Emote to contour; I've heard of using Sweet As Coco, but that is neither deep enough (depending on your skin tone) nor the right finish (Sheertone Shimmer) to contour with effectively. That is just going to give you some shimmer on the hollows of your cheeks. I feel the same about bronzers and MSF's (I'm speaking to you Metal Rock) as contours. They are accenting the cheekbones, which is fine, and I sometimes do with is Chocolate Brown pigment or Sweet As Cocoa (over/slightly above my contouring!), but if you were truly trying to create the illusion of higher cheekbones, those products aren't going to really do it. I think MAC is introducing some Basic Corrective theory and sophistication with this and previously with Of Beauty.

The Originals

2007-12-24T18:40:00.000-05:00

MAC's The Originals Collection was released this week and like Michael Kohrs, "I'm underwhelmed", however I did pick up a few things and I am happy with what I got. Only eye shadows for me dears:

* Parrot - "A soaringly electric turquoise.
(And it lives up to the hype, yes yes it does! This color is gorgeous and an absolute must have if you love color)

* Ochre Style - "Mid-tone yellow brown with gold.
(Boring in the pot, but has potential, and I am sure it works with a lot of shades that I already own.)

* Clue - "Mid-tone dirty grey with silver pearl"
(Very pretty, I can't wait to pair it with Club - They were meant for each other.)

I am debating returning for "Charred" and "Alum" as well as "Gilty Kiss" lipstick, released with Antiquitease Color. The lustre lipsticks didn't work for me, but I am sure they will be popular in the end as lustres are universal and practical. I would suggest checking those out.

I didn't give the Pigments or Reflects Glitters two seconds of my time because they are permanent and/or Pro. Currently I am shying away from permanent items because I can get them at anytime and I hope to see all of the Pro products in person at the Nashville freestanding store that is rumored to be going or is already Pro. The rumor could easily be verified if one simply visited or called the store. I thought of doing that today but didn't. Maybe next week, but I digress.

The Bottom Line:

The collection is a little dull, I won't lie, and there is no cohesion color wise. I am surprised that there are looks up on the website for this collection because none of these colors are alike or seem to work well together (I am referring primarily to eye shadows and Pigments), but apparently some of them do. But what the collection lacks in excitement it more than makes up for practicality, especially with the lustre lipsticks. I think "Back To Del Rio" and "Chintz On Chintz" are really nice, they just didn't work for me. So I encourage everyone to check out the shadows and lipsticks (and remember that Russian Red is a permanent shade) and if you are a Lipglass person (I am not) give those a whirl. I'd wait on the Reflects Glitters and Pigments, the aren't going anywhere. Happy Hauling to you all!

Bah Humbug!

2007-12-24T18:39:00.000-05:00

I don't like Christmas. There I said it.

Harper's Bazar

2007-12-10T15:50:00.000-05:00

Generally I think Harper's Bazar is a pretty useless publication. Not as cool and Vogue, not as useful as Elle so really what's the point? It is a cool name for a magazine and I've been getting free issues for some reason, so why not flip through for some makeup inspiration? I didn't find a muse, but I did a beauty article on skin care, and who can resist a beauty article? Not me! I thought I'd post some key points for those of you who may be interested.

For All Skin Types:
* Use Sunscreen Daily
* Keep It Simple:
"Many beauty companies would have you buy a different product for every inch of your skin, but you're better off being low
maintenance." Fredric Brandt says, 'For day, I would recommend a moisturizer with antioxidants like Vitamin C that absorb
free radicals in the environment. At night use, a cream with Peptides or Retinol to boost collagen and hydrating Hyaluronic
Acid or Shea Butter'.
*Price Wont Promise Performance

That is the only information that I found interesting and informative in the article. Everything else was standard, run of the mill advice that you have heard before. But did you get that bit about antioxidants during the day and Peptides, Shea Butter and Hyaluronic Acid at night?

This article made me want to check out what was in my own face products. I was happy to discover that my Arbonne Day & Night REactivating Facial Serum does have Hyaluronic Acid (as well as Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids which promote cell turn over) and the entire NutriMinC Skin Care System has Vitamin C and Peptides in it's various products. Two points for team Twinkle Twinkle! I also use Shea Butter nightly (applied after my night cream).

I recently switched back to a lighter, Origins moisturizer called Balanced Diet and it does not have Vitamin C, but a new Origins moisturizer called Youthtopia does. It is $47, which is steep, but face care is one thing I allow myself to splurge on. I will have to mull over this one folks.

Commercial Christmas

2007-12-02T00:35:00.000-05:00

Ho Ho Ho! I don't care so much that Christmas is commercialized, but more that we have a holiday as commercial as Christmas. Going through the mall for something simple is a fright. I am constantly reminded of what I need, want, don't have and can't afford. And I wonder why anyone would ever buy, give, or want a $70 hand lotion set. Why?!?! WHY! Rant over.

Snip Snip

2007-12-01T12:23:00.000-05:00

The most harrowing experience of the week was, drum roll please, my hair trim earlier this morning. My appointment was scheduled for 9 am (on a Saturday, "the horror, the horror") and I nearly missed it because I turned off my alarm in my sleep. The wrong way to start the day. I did make it within five minutes of my appointment time, but had to wait 45 minutes anyway. In that time I tried to fluff out my fro as much as possible so that he wouldn't have to snip off whole bits of coils. I was moderately successful. Ladies, you know hair is very serious business for us. It's not a game, and I was nervous that I'd walk out of the salon sans an inch of hair. Thankfully this was not the case. I also picked up two bottles each of Bixa and Annatto Aveda Color Conditioner; they deposit copper and auburn tones to the hair and since both are discontinued I wanted to get enough to last a little while. I am a little disappointed with the Bixa, the pigmentation is not as strong as I'd hoped, but that is another blog for another day. All and all, I am satisfied and hopefully this trim will cut down on my tangles. I'll be sure to let you all know.

What I Used

2007-11-23T23:12:00.000-05:00

In case you were wondering, here is the rundown of what I used:

Tools
- MAC 225 Tappered Blending Brush
- MAC 188 Small Duo Fiber Brush
- aDesign Pointed Foundation Brush

Products
- Prescriptives Custom Blend Concealor
- MAC Studio Lights in Smooth Spice
- MAC Natural Mineralize Skin Finish in Medium Dark
- Stila Sun Highlighter (A+++, better than a MSF in my opinion, that's right, I said it, better than a MSF)

Highlighting - A Tutorial of Sorts

2007-11-23T22:35:00.000-05:00

I mean, honestly, who needs a highlighting tutorial? Not many of you (and no offense to those of you who do, yay, this won't have been in vain) but I was bored and figured I'd whip out the camera and take some pictures. Bear with me. At the very leat this might introduce some products you might not have though of using, OR, better yet, encourage you to step up your highlighting game. Like concealing, it's essential, sort of.

Me, with powder and bronzer and nothing else:

Excuse the goofy expression.

Step 1:
Apply concealor under the eye. If you don't reguarly use concealor under the eye, that's fine too, you can skip to Step 2, which I often do. Still I would invest in a liquid concealor for the under the eye area. Liquid, not cream (it has a tendency to be heavy, sticky, and/or crease). How exactly women are using mineral concealor is beyond me. Someone please message me with some insights on that.

Now that funny looking brush is a pointed foundation brush and the best thing since sliced bread. Check it out at aDesign Brushes.

Step 2:
Apply Liquid Luminizer (is that an actual word???)
In this case I used MAC's new Studio Lights in Smooth Spice (it is love). You could also try the ever popular Touch Eclat by YSL. I haven't tried this product but Specktralites rave about it. I've also used Stila's Liquid All Over Shimmer in #6 (discontinued, but not impossible to find). The key is to pat this on smoothly as not to disturb the concealor that you may or may not have just applied.

... and after

Step Three:
Dust Natural MSF in a shade or two lighter than your skintone (in mycase Medium Dark) under the eyes and the inner corner of the eyes...

above and around the brow....

and over the cheekbones

Finally, using a stippling or duo fiber brush, dust a highlighting powder, (I am using Stila's Sun Sunlight, it is AMAZING ladies!) over the across the cheekbones and the jaw line.

The end result is a very sophositcated face with nuances of light.

Yay!

2007-11-23T22:34:00.003-05:00

I'm back! Really. Check out the next couple of posts.

I know, I'm Lame

2007-11-19T23:02:00.000-05:00

My computer charger completely malfunctioned on me and my camera died, hense the reasons for the lack of posts recently. But I promise to get on that quickly. So bear with me and I will see y'all soon with some reviews of my latest beauty aquisitions.

-paix

Happy Halloween!

2007-11-01T14:32:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to show case what I was wearing for the night.

Eyes:
Flammable Paint (MAC) Lid & Under Eye
Mi'Lady Mineralize Eye Shadow (Mac - Antiquitease) Lid & Under Eye
Smut Eye Shdaow (MAC) Crease
Black Diamond (Prescriptives) Outter V & Upper Crease
Soba & Goldmine (MAC) Highlights

Face:
Prescriptives Custom Blend Powder & Concealor
MAC Mineralize Natural Skinfinish in Deep Dark

Cheeks:
Blunt (MAC) Contouring
Raizin (MAC)
Ablaze (MAC)
New Vegas Mineralize Skinfinish (MAC - McQueen) Highlighting

Lips:
Beet Lip Liner (MAC)
Queen's Sin Lipstick (MAC - Antiquitease)
Clear Lip Gloss (Mary Kay)

Pigment Challange - Day 2

2007-10-30T23:17:00.000-04:00

Because I didn't wear makeup yesterday (early work shift) today makes day 2 of the Pigment Challange.

The Breakdown:

- Saddle Eyeshadow (MAC) All over shadow wash.
- Soba (MAC) Highlight.
- Cocomotion Pigment (MAC - Flastronic) Lid.
- Saturnal Eyeshadow (MAC - Moonbathe) Crease.
- Jade Eyeshdaow (Stila) Outer half of the lid.
- Humid (MAC) Outer crease

And Tada - It looked better in person. It's a bit hard to see the green in the picture, but it's there. Oh well.

7-Day Pigment Challenge

2007-10-29T01:37:00.001-04:00

I own a "few" pigments (and loose shadows) but I am reluctant to use them because there is something about them that intimidates me slightly. I worry about fallout, and ease of application, esp. precise application. But the color pay-off, staying powder, and lasting power out weighed my resistance. Plus, I like to actually use the things I buy. So I issued a 7-Day Challenge to myself; to use pigments everyday (or at least everyday that I wear cosmetics.

Today I went with Mauvement from MAC's Flashtronic line late this summer. Here is the breakdown:

- Urban Decay Primer Potion as a base
- Saddle (MAC) all over.
- Soba (MAC) as a highlight
- Satin Taupe (MAC) through the crease and a bit higher
- Mauvement on lid.
- Smoking (MAC Smoking Eyes Quad - Smoke Signals Collection) from outer lower lid to crease
- Showstopper (" ") - Outter V, blended with Smoking.

It's not the best blending, but it had to do, and I was pleased. Smoking is hard to blend.

Hair Update

2007-10-29T01:19:00.000-04:00

Eight months into this journey of naturalness and I have approx 5 inches of hair. Not bad if I do say so myself. I have recently been experiencing monster tangles. I mean beastly. I realize it's because I've been taking the same low-matainence approach to my hair that I did when I was rocking my TWA, and that just won't cut it. So I've decided to step it up a notch, and detangle twice a week, one of those being with my Denman brush (to get rid of shed hair) and to deep condition (adding honey and olive oil to my current conditioner) for several hours/over night once a week. I did the latter last night and was greated with soft bouncy coils this morning. Hello to you too!

So right now the routine is as follows:

- Shampoo w/Aveda Brillant once weekly or Clarify with Aveda Hair Detoxifier twice monthly.
- Condition w/Aveda Brilliant (softens like no other) and Trader Joe's Nourish SPA (simply amazing).
- Add Honey & Olive Oil.
- Detange, first finger combing, then combing with a wide-tooth comb, and finally gently brushing with the Denman. (with the
conditioner still on).
- Cover with plastic cap and go to sleep/watch a movie/read a book.
- Awake to wonderfully supple hair.

I'm debating whether or not to add a protein treatment, but I don't think my hair actually needs it. I'll keep you posted with the results.

So answer be this, how do you keep your tangles at bay?

I'm Loving It

2007-10-25T00:26:00.000-04:00

This week I am loving MAC eye shadow in Saddle. Described as a golden orange brown, it's a matte shadow that is the perfect base shadow when you need a little umph, but don't want to detract from the rest of the eye.

I'm always loving Stila eye shadow in Jezebel (shimmering copper rose). It's my Holy Grail all over shadow. One of two eye shadows that I've hit the pan on, the other being Patina (MAC).

I'm loving my aDesign Powder Brush for applying a buffing MAC's Natural Mineralize Skinfinish.

This product needs a soft yet firm brush to pick up the product and buff into into a glowly subtle finish, and this is precisely the brush for the job. I recently acquired it as a part of their Master Set 18, which was on sale earlier this month for $99 (reg. $250). I was an unexpected buy (kind of like the load of Becca products I got 75% at Sephora last month) but I'm glad I splurged. If you took advantage of the sale, good for you! If you missed it, I'm sorry.

I'm loving my new Mineralize Eye Shadow in Family Silver. The taupe-y half of the duo is gorgeous in the pot and subtle on. Of course with any MES a base really helps to get a better color pay off. Try MAC Shadestick in Fresh Cement or Beige-ing.

And finally, I'm loving my brand new Ikea (who doesn't love Ikea?) LERBERG (or those Swedish product names?) shelf unit, which is now home to some of my makeup organizer. It's chic, cute, and only $14.99.

Long Time, No Blog

2007-08-23T20:56:00.000-04:00

Apparently I haven't posted since April. That is embarassing. Today was an especially good day and so I felt inspired to update.
MAC's Smoke Signals and Blue Storm were released today. I'd planned for this in my budget, so I was able to get everything from Smoke Signals that I wanted plus a Lipglass (Atmosperic) and Kohl Power (Mystery) from Blue Storm. It came as no suprise that the lighter lipsticks (3 of the 4) didn't work for me. Two were obviously too light and one was so sheer that it wasn't worth the $14. Since Silver Fog and Dark Soul are perm. I skipped on them.

I decided to wait on the eye shadows from Blue Storm but I am definately going back to get all of them except Storm Watch which is probably the least interesting teal I have ever seen from MAC. True, there isn't a real, true teal in their permanent collection, but if you have been keeping up with the collections for even 6 months, you have better teals in your collection. Personally I think Plumage is a better choice. Storm Watch doesn't have a decent color pay off or lasting power either. The other standouts were Thunder, which prettier than Parfait Amour and has a reflective quality and a beautiful finnish. Blue Storm is gorgeous, and Cloudburst was a surprise. At first glance I wasn't too impressed, but after swatching it I found the blue black nature of it really appealing. It's similar to Nehru, but not powdery, but pearly instead. Cumulus is nothing special, but I'm going to get it anyway. I do like that it is not an overpowering silver, like many are.

Topping of the MAC excitment is the realization that I may have found a solution to my oily T-Zone. I usually use a blot sheet mid-day to remove excess oil around the T-Zone, but on my nose especially, there isn't a wiff of powder remaining. The solution? A blot powder and foudation primer. Too bad nearly every foundation primer I looked up had ton's of negative reviews and almost none of them seemed to keep oily T-Zones at bay. Granted I'm not a oil slick my any means, but the
matte-r the better. Then off when the idea bulb. I could combine Clinique products, the Pore Minimizer (T-Zone Shine Control) for pre-powder use and mid-day touch-ups and the Stay Matte (Sheer Pressed Powder) for use after blotting to replace powder and keep the face matte. I was really impressed by the products in the store, and I hope this combo will work. I even picked up a Benefit brush (the short handle makes it perfect for travel) for my on-the-go touch-ups. I'm excited and I'll update with the results.

Beautiful Natural in Prescriptives Ad

2007-04-13T06:45:00.000-04:00

I found a picture of an awesome natural texture shot on the Prescriptives website - I wanted to post it here in case any NP members or personal friends check my blog:

I love her hair (the woman on the right obviously, lol) although if it were me, I would definately be tempted to slap some color in there, haha

A bust!

2007-04-05T00:45:00.000-04:00

Yeah so Bare Minerals was a bust! My face was looking wack in all kinds of ways. Fortunatley I found a MAC alternative that I like a lot, and I also stumbled across an operation called MilanMinerals by a woman who makes mineral based makeup for women of color, [And now our porcelain and lighter sisters as well. I've orded some samples and can't wait to try them out. I'll post pics once I do! Also the prices are great so I really hope I like them, plus supporting black business is a great thing too.

In the meantime here is a glance at I look that I recreated from a Chloe ad. Cute if I do say so myself!

The Chloe ad

and... Me!

UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE!!!!!

I soon realized that the Natural Mineralize Skinfinish wasn't going to cut it as a summer foundation alternative. I like it, and decided not to return it, but it took the heaviest hand just to look like I was wearing anything at all. So I broke down and went where I always go when faced with a foundation/powder dilema - I went to my tried and true Prescriptives counter, and I shelled out some serious money to get another Custom Blend powder, this time for summer, and I've been using it ever since. As usual with Px and especially their Custom Blend products, I love it. I still find uses for the Natural MSF though.

New Makeup for Spring & Summer

2007-03-22T15:21:00.000-04:00

I'm thinking of trying Bare Minerals for the summer, since people rave about how it feels weightless. I love my Custom Blend Prescriptives, but I don't like the feel of liquid on my face in the spring and summertime heat. I'm excited, now there are more cosmetics I can buy! Yay!

And whats up with MAC discontinuing products left and right! I just picked up this awesome Shadestick in Mango Mix, a bronzed orange that I plan to pair with Corn, a yellowed gold, for a sunrise effect (its going to be cool folks, I'll post pictures after I try the look). Then they are discontinuing a dark smoky green called Fiction. I might have to go and pick up with an extra one of both after my next pay day.